POLICE activity to tackle knife crime in Barnsley has seen arrests made, weapons recovered and hundreds of young people engaged with.

Officers in the town to part in Operation Sceptre in May, completing weapon sweeps, search warrants and stop-searches.

They recovered 54 knives and made 32 arrests in relation to knife-related offences or knife-enabled criminality.

Detective Superintendent David Cowley, who is the force lead for knife crime, said: “We know the devastating consequences knife crime can have on our local communities and taking part in Sceptre allows us to show you what we are doing to seize these awful weapons.

“As well as the weapons recovered through operational activity, we also retrieved 163 knives from surrender bins.

“These amnesty bins are in place all year round and provide you an opportunity to drop off dangerous or unwanted knives and blades.

“The bins are a safe and anonymous place to do so.”

Test purchase operations at over 35 venues were also conducted to ensure licensed premises comply with the law when selling knives to members of the public.

Dozens of schools in the town also received visits from officers to highlight the pitfalls of knife crime.

Det Supt Cowley added: “We know education is a key tool in preventing young people from carrying knives.

“It is our responsibility to work with our partners to engage with children from a young age to show the repercussions of carry knives or decide to use a knife to threaten or harm someone.

“We will continue working hard on a daily basis to reduce the number of knives on our streets.

“Your support can have a big impact on our ability to do so.”